Structural animation of microRNA biomarkers measured by Melaseq.
Melaseq™ is a new genomic test that analyses microRNA molecules—small genetic regulators found in tissue and blood—that have been associated with melanoma. The test is designed to assist in identifying patterns of microRNA expression that may differ between melanoma and other skin conditions.
Melaseq can be performed on both blood samples (liquid biopsy) and solid skin biopsy tissue. Both versions are NATA-accredited and will be available to patients through Australian Clinical Labs. The tissue-based test provides molecular insights to assist in evaluating suspicious skin lesions, whereas the liquid biopsy test may support earlier detection and broader monitoring for melanoma within the body. These tests are intended as adjunctive tools to supplement existing clinical assessments and pathology methods.
As an emerging technology in melanoma research, Melaseq is part of ongoing efforts to refine diagnostic approaches. Further studies continue to evaluate its applications in different clinical settings.
Melanoma: Australia’s National Cancer
Failure To Detect: Over 40% of Patients with Invasive Melanoma Report Being Initially Misdiagnosed.
Survey size: 1137 patients and carers. Source:
State of the Nation – A Report into Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is a major health concern in Australia and often referred to as ‘Australia’s National Cancer.’ It is prevalent due to the high levels of sun exposure in the country, making it a significant public health issue.
Key Facts:
- High Prevalence: Australia ranks among the top globally for melanoma rates. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.
- Young Adults at Risk: In the 15-39 age group, melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer, highlighting the vital need for early detection and awareness among young adults.
- Economic Impact: Treating skin cancer, including melanoma, involves substantial costs due to its high prevalence and the complexity of treatment methods.
- Early vs. Late Diagnosis: Early detection of melanoma leads to a significantly higher survival rate. Patients with early-stage melanoma have a 10-year survival rate exceeding 90%, whereas those with late-stage diagnoses face greatly reduced survival chances.
- microRNA in Diagnosis: Recent studies reveal the significant role of microRNA profiles in melanoma diagnosis and management. These small genetic markers are key in detecting melanoma, monitoring its progression, and guiding treatment decisions.
Cancer cells, and the exosomes they release into the blood stream, contain disease-specific combinations of microRNAs. Melaseq detects a validated panel of these biomarkers using advanced microRNA expression profiling and machine learning algorithms.
Melaseq™: A Genomic Solution for Enhanced Melanoma Detection and Diagnosis
Melaseq™ represents a groundbreaking advancement in the fight against melanoma. It is designed to aid medical professionals in diagnosing and monitoring melanoma with greater precision and objectivity.
At the heart of Melaseq™ is its ability to analyze a unique panel of melanoma-related microRNAs. MicroRNAs are a novel class of genes, recently identified as having important functions both within and outside cells. By measuring changes in these molecules, it is possible to distinguish between disease states with unprecedented accuracy and precision.
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- Angiogenesis & Inflammation: Facilitates the formation of new blood vessels and promotes tumor-supportive inflammatory environments.
- Immune/Drug Resistance: Helps tumours evade immune detection and reduces the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
- Tumor Growth: Drives uncontrolled cellular proliferation essential for melanoma expansion.
- Invasion/Metastasis: Enables melanoma cells to invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs.
Geneseq Biosciences envisions that integrating Melaseq’s molecular biomarkers with existing imaging and histopathology methods will revolutionize melanoma early detection, reducing the need for invasive, expensive, and potentially disfiguring biopsies.
The video below describes the solid tissue application of Melaseq:
Melaseq is a genomic test performed on either solid tissue or blood that evaluates the probability of invasive cutaneous melanoma (Stage I–IV). It generates a calibrated diagnostic score ranging from 0.1 to 10, derived from microRNA expression profiling. Results are reported as Class A (low probability), Class B (high probability), or Borderline, based on defined score thresholds and confidence intervals.
This test is designed to distinguish invasive melanoma from benign naevi, melanoma in situ, non-melanoma skin cancers, and normal skin. It is not intended to determine melanoma subtype or stage and should be used in conjunction with clinical judgment. Results do not replace histopathological confirmation.
Analytical validation confirms that the test reliably differentiates melanoma from non-melanoma samples across both plasma and FFPE tissue. Each result is supported by several hundred internal simulation runs that quantify classification certainty and generate a 95% confidence interval. The underlying algorithm performs over 2 million operations per sample, ensuring that results are not only accurate but also highly reproducible. This process provides clinicians with a robust and dependable basis for interpretation.
Melaseq is intended for use by healthcare professionals. False positives and false negatives may occur. Additional information, including methodology and clinical evidence, is available at www.melaseq.com.
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